SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In what was setup to be a pitchers duel ended as a slugfest which saw UT Arlington defeat Sacramento State, 15-7, on Thursday at John Smith Field.

The Mavericks (28-25, 16-9 WAC) pounded Hornet starter Brennal Leitao for seven runs in the second inning to take a substantial early lead. During the inning, UTA had seven hits, including two home runs and two doubles. The loss was the first for Leitao since March 29 at Dallas Baptist and his first at home since March 2.

The Hornets (33-11, 14-11) clawed their way back into the game in the third after taking advantage of three walks and hit batter to score the first run. Andrew Ayers then belted a grand slam to left field to make the score, 7-5. The home run was the ninth of the year for the senior and his fifth in the last 11 games.

Both teams scored a run in the fifth inning before the Mavericks scored the next seven runs to pull away. The team picked up a pair of runs in the sixth on Matt Shortall's second homer of the game before plating five in the eighth.

Sacramento State scored the final run of the game in the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly from Will Soto which scored Nathan Lukes.

The 15 runs were the most allowed by the Hornets this season as were the four home runs. In fact, Sacramento State had not allowed a home run at home since March 24.

Chase Weaver (4-1) was credited with the win after allowing two earned runs (four total) in 5.1 innings of relief.

Lukes had two hits, including his second home run of the season, to lead the Hornet offense.